News / Published on Jan 2, 2025

Sustainability plan advances commitment to people, planet, and prosperity

Action plan outlines goals to improve employee, environmental, and financial sustainability

A Community Transit hydrogen electric and battery electric bus parked side-by-side

Pictured above: Community Transit's zero emission buses on display.

 

Transportation is by far Washington’s biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions, making travel by public transit one of the best ways for people to reduce their carbon footprints. Community Transit will work to increase the benefits of transit still further.

Today, the Community Transit Board of Directors approved a Sustainability Policy and authorized the CEO to implement a five-year Sustainability Action Plan. The agency’s holistic approach to sustainability involves protecting the environment, and goes further by also fostering economic stewardship, and providing for the wellbeing of our customers, community members, and employees.

“Our mission is to serve our community by giving people convenient, affordable and environmentally-friendly options for getting around,” said Community Transit CEO Ric Ilgenfritz. “The Sustainability Action Plan ensures that sustainability is embedded into every facet of our culture and business, enabling us to contribute to a healthier, more connected, and economically vibrant region.”

Current and Future Sustainability Efforts
The Sustainability Action Plan creates goals that will be renewed every five years. Community Transit will report annually on accomplishments from the previous year. Community Transit is already making significant strides toward its sustainability goals, including:

  • Transitioning to a Zero Emissions Fleet: Reducing reliance on fossil fuels for a cleaner, greener future.
  • Using R99 Diesel Fuel: Employing a lower-impact interim fueling solution during the transition to zero emissions.
  • Long-Range Financial Planning: Ensuring sustainable operations and infrastructure investments.
  • Workforce Sustainability Initiatives: Enhancing recruitment and retention to support a strong, engaged workforce.

For more information about Community Transit’s sustainability initiatives, visit communitytransit.org/sustainability.